Teen arrested for 'blasphemous T-shirt'

Originally posted by Britguy
Sorry, but if people get their jollies by going out of their way to offend, and are encouraged to do so as some sort of inalienable right, then it's
a pretty damning indictment on society today.

Damn you society, damn you!

I think it is also peoples right to ignore morally 'high-horsed' people who feel that, because it offends their sensibilities, that it must be
wrong; a terrible indication of our society...or some other crap.

Whenever the norm gets shook up, there is some ridiculous 'society in downfall' type argument. Remember when KISS was really offensive and not just
annoying? Or the shake...that a pretty 'damning' turn for society.

Originally posted by Britguy
So, to those people defending the graphic nature of this T-Shirt using the argument of freedom of speech / expression, would they be so quick to
defend a T-Shirt with nude pictures of children performing sex acts? If not then why not?

A nun getting her jollies off and a bad word aren't illegal. Depictions of sex acts between children...is.

Don't try and derail the argument by comparing a mockery of religion on a t-shirt to the sexual abuse of children.

Freedom of Speech in America never covers profanity of any kind. There is lots of case law to back that up as well. If someone had worn a shirt like
that back in the 1776, they would have been lynched. I think you’re mixing up your feelings on religion with something that crosses common decency.
Whether it’s about religion or any other topic, it is not acceptable to wear something with profane language and especially profane graphics in
public.

As a Christian, I would understand how a member of another religion would be upset if there were a similar shirt about their beliefs. Personally, I
was taught to respect all beliefs and religions, no matter if I agree with them or not. Though I am a strong opponent of the Catholic Church, I have
sat in their masses respectfully many times over the years. I would like to know why some feel that it’s acceptable to show such disrespect toward
anyone’s belief system. To me it smacks of opinionated, ignorant, immaturity.

Originally posted by spines
And I don't want to see those annoying 'anti-abortion' shirts with a bloody fetus splashed across it. Yet they continue to exist, and I, as an
adult, ignore it and laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing.

This is one of those situations where out of sight, out of mind would seem to fit.

Also, I doubt your grandchildren even notice the person, let alone the shirt. Kids are like squishy Etch-a-Sketch's; if they start to ask about
it...just give them something shiny and be on your way.

I personally have not seen the anti abortion shirts that you speak about, but i would have a problem with those as well.

Well you are dead wrong in you assumptions, they do notice people and their clothing. Most children notice pictures on t-shirts. You have a very poor
opinion of children as they are not at all like "squishy etch -a- sketches" they are very inquisitive, and have minds that are trying to soak in
everything.

Maybe your idea of raising children is to pacify them instead of teaching them, but it's not mine. If a child asks a question it should be answered
truthfully, that's how they learn.

Here's a scenario for you.
Where a tshirt with mohammad caricatured as a walking bomb laden terrorist.
Walk back and forth in front of a mosque until someone notices you.
'But I'm just practicing my freedom of speech! As they give you a very bad shave'.

Originally posted by jpm1602
Here's a scenario for you.
Where a tshirt with mohammad caricatured as a walking bomb laden terrorist.

You complained about me bringing religion into it? Shhh! No more religion!

Walk back and forth in front of a mosque until someone notices you.
'But I'm just practicing my freedom of speech! As they give you a very bad shave'.

Here's the difference: This was a teenager walking along a Gold Coast street. If you haven't seen the Gold Coast, it is exactly that, a slice of
paradise surrounded by high-rises and populated with lots of Asian tourists. This kid was not inciting religious violence. He probably listens to
the band, likes their music and wears their tshirt. More power for official merchandising.

Walking up and down, waiting to be noticed, in front of a mosque, is asking for trouble. That person will probably be bashed, as the hypocritical
elements of the muslim cult will be angered.

Originally posted by tezzajw
You have right to look away for the brief moment that the tshirt is in your field-of-view.

And what if the t-shirt is in someones view for longer than a brief moment ? The shirt is inappropriate to be worn in public in most peoples opinions.
I don't think it's serious enough for him to be arrested, but it is inapropriate and he shouldn't wear it in public.

The only person that is making you see the shirt is yourself. And the only reason it affects anyone, is if they make it affect themselves.

Act like an adult and get on with your life.

[edit on 6/25/0808 by spines]

Actually if he was wearing the shirt in public in front of me, it would be him that was making me see the shirt not me. And basically everything that
you see affects you in one way or another, that's why the shirt was made, to have an effect on people.

Ok. That's it. Give me your addresses now.
I'm donning my florescent green hawaiin shirt and an undersized pair of red speedos with my flip flops on my 45 year old 20 lbs overweight frame and
I'm laying out in YOUR backyard!
Just making a statement.
The nitemares will have you waking in a cold sweat for years!

Thank god they are locking up criminals that are attacking innocent people with their offensive shirts. What if an old lady saw it, that had heart
problems, and she died?! In that case, it would be murder and he should get lethal injection or life.

If you've missed it. Please refrain from using any censored form (or otherwise) of the word in question. Those that would like to know what the word
is, read the news article. Let's keep to ATS standards.

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